Apparatus, imaging method, and program

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to an imaging apparatus, an imaging method, and a program that are capable of easily setting a type of a subject as a focusing target in each imaging. 
     An image sensor acquires an image. An operation unit selects a type of a subject as a focusing target in each imaging of the image acquired by the image sensor. In the case where the type of the subject as a focusing target is selected by the operation unit, a microcomputer detects an area of the subject of that type from the image and sets the detected area as an in-focus area of the image. The present disclosure can be applied to an imaging apparatus, for example.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an imaging apparatus, an imagingmethod, and a program, and particularly to, an imaging apparatus, animaging method, and a program that are capable of easily setting a typeof a subject as a focusing target in each imaging.

BACKGROUND ART

Imaging apparatuses have a function of detecting a specific subject suchas a human face within an image and bringing the subject into focus(see, for example, Patent Document 1).

-   Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No.    2009-118009

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Problem to be Solved by the Invention

However, a type of a subject as a focusing target could not be easilyset in each imaging.

The present disclosure has been made in view of such circumstances andis capable of easily setting a type of a subject as a focusing target ineach imaging.

Means for Solving the Problem

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided animaging apparatus including: an acquisition unit that acquires an image;a first selection unit that selects a first type of a subject as afocusing target in each imaging of the image acquired by the acquisitionunit; a first detection unit that detects an area of the subject of thefirst type from the image in a case where the first type is selected bythe first selection unit; and an area setting unit that sets the areadetected by the first detection unit as an in-focus area of the image.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there are provided animaging method and a program that correspond to the imaging apparatusaccording to one aspect of the present disclosure.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, an image is acquired, a firsttype of a subject as a focusing target is selected in each imaging ofthe image, an area of the subject of the first type is detected from theimage in a case where the first type is selected, and the area is set asan in-focus area of the image.

Effects of the Invention

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, imaging can beperformed with a subject being in focus. Further, according to oneaspect of the present disclosure, a type of a subject as a focusingtarget can be easily set in each imaging.

It should be noted that effects described herein are not necessarilylimited and any one of the effects described herein may be produced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view showing an outer appearance configuration exampleof a first embodiment of an imaging apparatus to which the presentdisclosure is applied.

FIG. 2 is a back view showing an outer appearance configuration exampleof the imaging apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top view showing an outer appearance configuration exampleof the imaging apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration example ofthe imaging apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an in-focusarea control unit of the first embodiment of the imaging apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen of a facedetection function.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for describing a relationship between a facedetection mode and face frame display.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for describing a relationship between a facedetection mode and an in-focus area.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for describing display in the face detection mode.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for describing display in a face detection ON mode.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for describing face detection OFF imagingprocessing according to the first embodiment of the imaging apparatus.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for describing face detection ON imagingprocessing according to the first embodiment of the imaging apparatus.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of anin-focus area control unit of a second embodiment of an imagingapparatus to which the present disclosure is applied.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of anin-focus area control unit of a third embodiment of an imaging apparatusto which the present disclosure is applied.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart for describing face detection OFF imagingprocessing according to the third embodiment of the imaging apparatus.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart for describing face detection ON imagingprocessing according to the third embodiment of the imaging apparatus.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration example of acomputer.

MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION First Embodiment Outer AppearanceConfiguration Example of First Embodiment of Imaging Apparatus

FIGS. 1 to 3 are views each showing an outer appearance configurationexample of a first embodiment of an imaging apparatus to which thepresent disclosure is applied. FIG. 1 is a front view of the imagingapparatus. FIG. 2 is a back view of the imaging apparatus. FIG. 3 is atop view of the imaging apparatus.

It should be noted that in this specification, a surface on which a lensof the imaging apparatus is disposed is a front surface, and a surfaceopposed to the front surface is a back surface. Further, a directionperpendicular to the front surface and the back surface is a depthdirection.

As shown in FIG. 1, a lens 10A is disposed on the front surface of animaging apparatus 10 at the center of the right side when viewed from asubject. The lens 10A collects light from the subject.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a release button 11 is disposed onthe top surface of the imaging apparatus 10 on the left side when viewedfrom the subject. The release button 11 is full pressed when imaging isperformed. Further, the release button 11 is half pressed when apredetermined area within an image (for example, a center area of theimage, an area of the subject in which a position in the depth directionis closest to the imaging apparatus 10, or the like) is brought intofocus. As shown in FIG. 3, the release button 11 is provided with apower button 11A. The power button 11A is operated when the power of theimaging apparatus 10 is turned on.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, on the top surface of the imaging apparatus10, additionally, a mode dial 12 is disposed on the right side of therelease button 11 and a custom button 13 is disposed on the left sidethereof when viewed from the subject. The mode dial 12 is operated whenan imaging mode is selected. The custom button 13 is a button to which auser can assign a desired function.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, a front dial 14 is disposed on the frontsurface of the imaging apparatus 10 on the upper left side of the lens10A when viewed from the subject. The front dial 14 is operated when ashutter speed is adjusted, for example.

As shown in FIG. 1, a lens lock button 15 is disposed adjacently to thelens 10A on the front surface of the imaging apparatus 10. The lens lockbutton 15 is operated when the lens 10A is removed from the imagingapparatus 10.

As shown in FIG. 2, a menu button 16 is disposed on the back surface ofthe imaging apparatus 10 on the upper left side toward the subject. Themenu button 16 is pressed when a menu screen is displayed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a finder 17 is disposed on the back surfaceof the imaging apparatus 10 on the upper right side of the menu button16 toward the subject, and a diopter adjusting dial 17A is disposed onthe right side of the finder 17 toward the subject. The finder 17 is aliquid crystal panel for confirming the subject when imaging isperformed.

The diopter adjusting dial 17A is operated when the diopter of thefinder 17 is adjusted. The user operates the diopter adjusting dial 17Asuch that an image displayed on the finder 17 is easy to see. Thisenables an image appropriate to the eyesight of the user to be displayedon the finder 17.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a custom button 18 is disposed on the backsurface of the imaging apparatus 10 on the lower right side of thefinder 17 toward the subject, and a rear dial 19 is disposed on theright side of the custom button 18 toward the subject. The custom button18 is a button to which a user can assign a desired function, like thecustom button 13. The rear dial 19 is operated when an aperture value isadjusted, for example.

As shown in FIG. 2, a recording button 20 is disposed on the lower rightside of the rear dial 19 toward the subject on the back surface of theimaging apparatus 10. The recording button 20 is pressed when a movingimage is captured.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, an AEL button 21 is disposed on the lowerside of the custom button 18 on the back surface of the imagingapparatus 10, and an Fn button 22 is disposed on the lower side of theAEL button 21. The AEL button 21 is pressed when the exposure of theentire screen is fixed, for example. The Fn button 22 is pressed when asetting screen on which functions on various types of imaging are set isdisplayed.

As shown in FIG. 2, a cross key 23 is disposed below the Fn button 22 onthe back surface of the imaging apparatus 10. The cross key 23 isconstituted by an upper button 23A, a lower button 23B, a left button23C, a right button 23D, and a center button 23E. The buttons 23A to 23Dof the cross key 23 are each pressed when a cursor or the like within amenu screen or setting screen displayed on a liquid crystal monitor 26is moved right and left and up and down.

The center button 23E is pressed when an instruction of a decision isgiven on a menu screen or setting screen displayed on the liquid crystalmonitor 26, for example. Further, the center button 23E is pressed whena pupil is selected as a type of a subject serving as a focusing targetin each imaging in a state where a menu screen or setting screen is notdisplayed on the liquid crystal monitor 26. In other words, the centerbutton 23E in a state where a menu screen or setting screen is notdisplayed on the liquid crystal monitor 26 functions as a selection unitthat selects a pupil as a type of a subject serving as a focusing targetin each imaging.

As shown in FIG. 2, a reproduction button 24 is disposed on the lowerleft side of the cross key 23 toward the subject on the back surface ofthe imaging apparatus 10, and a delete button 25 is disposed on thelower right side thereof. The reproduction button 24 is pressed when acaptured image is reproduced. The delete button 25 is pressed when acaptured image displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 26 is deleted.

As shown in FIG. 2, the liquid crystal monitor 26 is disposed on theleft side toward the subject on the back surface of the imagingapparatus 10. A menu screen, a setting screen, a captured image, and thelike are displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 26.

(Hardware Configuration Example of Imaging Apparatus)

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration example ofthe imaging apparatus 10.

The imaging apparatus 10 of FIG. 1 includes an optical system 41, animage sensor 42, an image processing unit 43, a compression processingunit 44, a medium control unit 45, a recording medium 46, a focusingcontrol unit 48, and a microcomputer 47. Further, the imaging apparatus10 includes the focusing control unit 48, an actuator 49, a display unit50, a memory 51, and an operation unit 52.

When the center button 23E is pressed in a state where a menu screen orsetting screen is not displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 26, theimaging apparatus 10 brings a pupil within an image into focus.

Specifically, the optical system 41 and the image sensor 42 function asan acquisition unit and acquire an image. More specifically, the opticalsystem 41 is constituted by the lens 10A, a diaphragm not shown in thefigure, and the like. The optical system 41 collects light from thesubject to the image sensor 42. The optical system 41 is driven by theactuator 49.

The image sensor 42 performs photoelectric conversion on the lightcollected by the lens 10A on a pixel-by-pixel basis and acquires anelectrical signal as an analog signal of each pixel of the image.Further, the image sensor 42 acquires phase difference information onthe basis of the light collected by the optical system 41 in eachdetection using one or more pixels. The phase difference informationrepresents a displacement amount of the image from an in-focus surface.The image sensor 42 supplies the electrical signal of each pixel to theimage processing unit 43 and supplies the phase difference informationto the focusing control unit 48.

The image processing unit 43 performs image processing such as A/Dconversion on the electrical signal of each pixel of the image suppliedfrom the image sensor 42. The image processing unit 43 supplies imagedata, which is resultant digital data of each pixel of the image, to thecompression processing unit 44 and the microcomputer 47.

The compression processing unit 44 compresses the image data suppliedfrom the image processing unit 43 as necessary. The compressionprocessing unit 44 supplies the compressed image data to the mediumcontrol unit 45.

The medium control unit 45 controls the recording medium 46 to recordthe compressed image data supplied from the compression processing unit44 on the recording medium 46. In such a manner, the processing in whichan image is acquired by the image sensor 42 and then compressed and thecompressed image data is recorded is called imaging. The recordingmedium 46 records the compressed image data under the control of themedium control unit 45.

The microcomputer 47 controls the units of the imaging apparatus 10. Forexample, the microcomputer 47 sets a face detection mode on the basis ofan operation signal representing an operation from a user and beingsupplied from the operation unit 52, and supplies the face detectionmode to the memory 51 to be stored. The microcomputer 47 causes theliquid crystal monitor 26 of the display unit 50 to display a menuscreen or setting screen on the basis of the operation signal or causingthe display unit 50 to display an image based on the image data from theimage processing unit 43.

Further, the microcomputer 47 functions as an in-focus area control unitthat controls the in-focus area. Specifically, the microcomputer 47detects a face area from the image data supplied from the imageprocessing unit 43. Further, the microcomputer 47 detects a pupil areafrom the image data on the basis of the face area and an operationsignal representing a press of the center button 23E and being suppliedfrom the operation unit 52, when a menu screen or setting screen is notdisplayed on the liquid crystal monitor 26. The microcomputer 47 setsthe face area, the pupil area, or a predetermined area as an in-focusarea on the basis of the face detection mode stored in the memory 51 andthe operation signal, and supplies the in-focus area to the focusingcontrol unit 48.

The focusing control unit 48 controls the actuator 49 to bring thein-focus area into focus on the basis of the in-focus area supplied fromthe microcomputer 47 and the phase difference information supplied fromthe image sensor 42.

The actuator 49 is controlled by the focusing control unit 48 and thelike. The actuator 49 drives the optical system 41 and controls a focusposition, an aperture value, and a zoom magnification.

The display unit 50 is constituted by the finder 17 and the liquidcrystal monitor 26 shown in FIG. 2. The display unit 50 displays acaptured image on the basis of the image data of the captured image(compressed and recorded image) under the control of the microcomputer47. Further, the display unit 50 displays an image based on image dataof an image that is not a captured image (that is an image notcompressed and recorded), as a live-view image, under the control of themicrocomputer 47. The liquid crystal monitor 26 of the display unit 50displays a menu screen or setting screen under the control of themicrocomputer 47.

The memory 51 is a work area of the microcomputer 47. The memory 51stores an interim result or a final result of the processing by themicrocomputer 47. For example, the memory 51 stores the face detectionmode supplied from the microcomputer 47.

The operation unit 52 supplies an operation signal to the microcomputer47, the operation signal representing operations of the release button11, the power button 11A, the mode dial 12, the custom button 13, thefront dial 14, the menu button 16, the diopter adjusting dial 17A, andthe custom button 18. Further, the operation unit 52 supplies anoperation signal to the microcomputer 47, the operation signalrepresenting operations of the rear dial 19, the recording button 20,the AEL button 21, the Fn button 22, the cross key 23, the reproductionbutton 24, and the delete button 25.

(Configuration Example of In-focus Area Control Unit)

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of thein-focus area control unit achieved by the microcomputer 47 of FIG. 4.

An in-focus area control unit 70 of FIG. 5 is constituted by a facedetection unit 71, a pupil detection unit 72, an area setting unit 73,and a display control unit 74.

The face detection unit 71 of the in-focus area control unit 70 readsthe face detection mode from the memory 51. The face detection unit 71detects a face area from the image data supplied from the imageprocessing unit 43, on the basis of the face detection mode. The facedetection unit 71 supplies the face area to the pupil detection unit 72,the area setting unit 73, and the display control unit 74.

The pupil detection unit 72 reads the face detection mode from thememory 51. The pupil detection unit 72 determines whether an operationsignal representing a press of the center button 23E is supplied fromthe operation unit 52 or not in a state where a menu screen or settingscreen is not displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 26. The pupildetection unit 72 detects a pupil area from the image data on the basisof a determination result, the face detection mode, and the face areasupplied from the face detection unit 71. The pupil detection unit 72supplies the pupil area to the area setting unit 73.

The area setting unit 73 reads the face detection mode from the memory51. The area setting unit 73 sets the face area, the pupil area, or apredetermined area as an in-focus area in each imaging on the basis ofthe face detection mode and the operation signal representing ahalf-press of the release button 11 and being supplied from theoperation unit 52. The area setting unit 73 supplies the in-focus areato the display control unit 74 and the focusing control unit 48 of FIG.4.

The display control unit 74 reads the face detection mode from thememory 51. The display control unit 74 superimposes a face frame, whichrepresents the face area supplied from the face detection unit 71, on alive-view image being displayed, on the basis of the face detectionmode, for display on the display unit 50. Further, the display controlunit 74 superimposes a frame, which represents the in-focus areasupplied from the area setting unit 73, on a live-view image beingdisplayed, for display on the display unit 50.

(Example of Setting Screen of Face Detection Function)

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen of the facedetection function displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 26.

The setting screen of the face detection function is displayed when theuser presses the Fn button 22.

As shown in FIG. 6, a setting screen 80 of the face detection functionincludes a face detection OFF mode button 81. The face detection OFFmode button 81 is operated when a face detection OFF mode for bringingthe face area out of focus is selected as the face detection mode.

The setting screen 80 includes a registered face mode button 82. Theregistered face mode button 82 is operated when a registered facedetection mode for preferentially bringing an area of a registered faceimage, which is a previously registered face image, into focus more thanother face areas is selected as the face detection mode.

It should be noted that the image data of the registered face image isstored in the memory 51, for example. In the case where the facedetection mode is the registered face detection mode, the face detectionunit 71 performs matching between the image data supplied from the imageprocessing unit 43 and the image data of the registered face image, todetect an area of the registered face image as a face area. In the casewhere an area of the registered face image is not detected, the facedetection unit 71 detects an area of a face image other than theregistered face image as a face area.

The setting screen 80 includes a face detection ON mode button 83. Theface detection ON mode button 83 is operated when a face detection ONmode for bringing the face area into focus is selected as the facedetection mode. Further, the setting screen 80 includes a smile shuttermode button 84. The smile shutter mode button 84 is operated when asmile shutter mode for capturing an image in which a smile is detectedis selected as the face detection mode.

A cursor 85 is superimposed on any of the face detection OFF mode button81, the registered face mode button 82, the face detection ON modebutton 83, and the smile shutter mode button 84 within the settingscreen 80, and displayed.

The user presses the buttons 23A to 23D of the cross key 23 and thusmoves the cursor 85. When the cursor 85 is then superimposed on the facedetection OFF mode button 81, the registered face mode button 82, theface detection ON mode button 83, or the smile shutter mode button 84that corresponds to a desired face detection mode, the user presses thecenter button 23E.

This enables the setting of the face detection mode that corresponds tothe face detection OFF mode button 81, the registered face mode button82, the face detection ON mode button 83, or the smile shutter modebutton 84 on which the cursor 85 is superimposed. In the example of FIG.6, the cursor 85 is superimposed on the registered face mode button 82.When the center button 23E is pressed at that time, the registered facedetection mode is set as the face detection mode.

(Description on Relationship between Face Detection Mode and Face FrameDisplay)

FIG. 7 is a diagram for describing a relationship between a facedetection mode and face frame display for an image before an instructionof focusing is given by a half-press of the release button 11 or a pressof the center button 23E.

As shown in FIG. 7, even in the case where the face detection mode isany of the face detection OFF mode, the registered face detection mode,the face detection mode, and the smile shutter mode, the face detectionunit 71 performs face detection.

In the case where the face detection mode is the face detection OFFmode, however, the face frame is not superimposed on a live-view imagebeing displayed, before an instruction of focusing is given. In the casewhere the face detection mode is other than the face detection OFF mode,the face frame is superimposed on a live-view image being displayed,before an instruction of focusing is given.

(Description on Relationship between Face Detection Mode and In-focusArea)

FIG. 8 is a diagram for describing a relationship between the facedetection mode and the in-focus area.

As shown in FIG. 8, in the case where the face detection mode is otherthan the smile shutter mode, when the center button 23E of the cross key23 is pressed in a state where a menu screen or setting screen is notdisplayed on the liquid crystal monitor 26, the in-focus area is set forthe pupil area. In the case where the face detection mode is theregistered face detection mode and an area of the registered face imageis detected, the pupil area is an area of a pupil in the registered faceimage.

On the other hand, in the case where the face detection mode is thesmile shutter mode, when the center button 23E is pressed in a statewhere a menu screen or setting screen is not displayed on the liquidcrystal monitor 26, the in-focus area is set for the face area.

Further, when the release button 11 is half pressed in the case wherethe face detection mode is the face detection OFF mode, the in-focusarea is set for the predetermined area. On the other hand, when therelease button 11 is half pressed in the case where the face detectionmode is other than the face detection OFF mode, the in-focus area is setfor the face area. In the case where the face detection mode is theregistered face detection mode and an area of the registered face imageis detected, the face area is the area of the registered face image.

(Description on Display in Face Detection OFF Mode)

FIG. 9 is a diagram for describing display on the display unit 50 in theface detection mode.

As shown in FIG. 9, in the face detection mode, in the case where aninstruction of focusing is given by pressing the center button 23E ofthe cross key 23 in a state where a menu screen or setting screen is notdisplayed on the liquid crystal monitor 26, nothing is superimposed on alive-view image 91 being displayed, before the instruction of focusingis given.

After the instruction of focusing is given, a pupil area is detected bythe pupil detection unit 72. In the case where a pupil area is detected,the in-focus area is set for the pupil area by the area setting unit 73,and a pupil frame 101 representing a pupil area as the in-focus area issuperimposed on a live-view image 92 being displayed. The pupil arearepresented by the pupil frame 101 is then brought into focus. On theother hand, in the case where the pupil area is not detected, thein-focus area is set for the face area by the area setting unit 73, anda face frame 102 representing the face area as the in-focus area issuperimposed on the live-view image 92 being displayed. The face arearepresented by the face frame 102 is then brought into focus. Afterfocusing is achieved, nothing is superimposed again on a live-view image93 being displayed.

Further, in the face detection OFF mode, in the case where aninstruction of focusing is given by half pressing the release button 11,nothing is superimposed on the live-view image 91 being displayed,before the instruction of focusing is given. After the instruction offocusing is given, the in-focus area is set for the predetermined areaby the area setting unit 73, and a predetermined frame 103 representinga predetermined area as the in-focus area is superimposed on thelive-view image 92 being displayed. The predetermined area representedby the predetermined frame 103 is then brought into focus. It should benoted that in the example of FIG. 9, the predetermined area is an areaof a subject whose position in the depth direction is closest to theimaging apparatus 10. After focusing is achieved, the predeterminedframe 103 remains superimposed on the live-view image 93 beingdisplayed.

(Description on Display in Face Detection ON Mode)

FIG. 10 is a diagram for describing display on the display unit 50 inthe face detection ON mode.

As shown in FIG. 10, in the face detection ON mode, in the case where aninstruction of focusing is given by pressing the center button 23E ofthe cross key 23 in a state where a menu screen or setting screen is notdisplayed on the liquid crystal monitor 26, a temporary face frame 121representing a face area as a candidate of the in-focus area issuperimposed on a live-view image 111 being displayed, before aninstruction of focusing is given.

After the instruction of focusing is given, a pupil area is detected bythe pupil detection unit 72. In the case where a pupil area is detected,the in-focus area is set for the pupil area by the area setting unit 73,and a pupil frame 122 representing a pupil area as the in-focus area issuperimposed on a live-view image 112 being displayed. The pupil arearepresented by the pupil frame 122 is then brought into focus. On theother hand, in the case where the pupil area is not detected, thein-focus area is set for the face area by the area setting unit 73, anda face frame 123 representing the face area as the in-focus area issuperimposed on the live-view image 112 being displayed. The face arearepresented by the face frame 123 is then brought into focus. Afterfocusing is achieved, the face frame 123 is superimposed on a live-viewimage 113 being displayed.

Further, in the face detection ON mode, in the case where an instructionof focusing is given by half pressing the release button 11, thetemporary face frame 121 is superimposed on the live-view image 111being displayed, before the instruction of focusing is given. After theinstruction of focusing is given, the in-focus area is set for the facearea by the area setting unit 73, and the face frame 123 is superimposedon the live-view image 112 being displayed. After focusing is achieved,the face frame 123 remains superimposed on the live-view image 113 beingdisplayed.

In order to easily recognize that the temporary face frame 121represents not the in-focus area but a candidate of the in-focus area,the temporary face frame 121, the pupil frame 122, and the face frame123 may be changed in color, thickness, type of line, and the like.

(Description on Processing of Imaging Apparatus)

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for describing the face detection OFF imagingprocessing that is imaging processing of the imaging apparatus 10 in thecase where the face detection mode is the face detection OFF mode. Thisface detection OFF imaging processing is started when the power isturned on by operating the power button 11A, for example.

In Step S11 of FIG. 11, the image sensor 42 acquires an electricalsignal of each pixel of the image by performing photoelectric conversionon light from the subject, the light being collected via the opticalsystem 41, on a pixel-by-pixel basis. The image sensor 42 supplies theelectrical signal of each pixel of the image to the image processingunit 43, and thus the image data is supplied to the compressionprocessing unit 44 and the microcomputer 47.

In Step S12, the microcomputer 47 displays an image based on the imagedata supplied from the image processing unit 43, as a live-view image,on the display unit 50.

In Step S13, the face detection unit 71 of the microcomputer 47 detectsa face area from the image data supplied from the image processing unit43. The face detection unit 71 supplies the face area to the pupildetection unit 72, the area setting unit 73, and the display controlunit 74.

In Step S14, the pupil detection unit 72 determines whether the centerbutton 23E of the cross key 23 is pressed or not in a state where a menuscreen or setting screen is not displayed on the liquid crystal monitor26, on the basis of an operation signal from the operation unit 52. InStep S14, when it is determined that the center button 23E is pressed,the processing proceeds to Step S15.

In Step S15, the pupil detection unit 72 detects a pupil area from theimage data supplied from the image processing unit 43, on the basis ofthe face area supplied from the face detection unit 71.

In Step S16, the pupil detection unit 72 determines whether a pupil areais detected or not by the processing of Step S15. When it is determinedin Step S16 that a pupil area is detected, the pupil detection unit 72supplies the detected pupil area to the area setting unit 73. In StepS17, the area setting unit 73 then sets the pupil area, which issupplied from the pupil detection unit 72, as the in-focus area, andsupplies the pupil area to the display control unit 74 and the focusingcontrol unit 48 of FIG. 4.

In Step S18, the display control unit 74 superimposes a pupil frame on alive-view image being displayed, on the basis of the pupil area suppliedfrom the area setting unit 73, for display on the display unit 50. Theprocessing then proceeds to Step S24.

On the other hand, when it is determined in Step S16 that a pupil areais not detected, in Step S19, the area setting unit 73 sets the facearea, which is supplied from the face detection unit 71, as the in-focusarea, and supplies the face area to the display control unit 74 and thefocusing control unit 48.

In Step S20, the display control unit 74 superimposes a face frame on alive-view image being displayed, on the basis of the face area suppliedfrom the area setting unit 73, for display on the display unit 50. Theprocessing then proceeds to Step S24.

Further, when it is determined in Step S14 that the center button 23E isnot pressed, the processing proceeds to Step S21. In Step S21, the areasetting unit 73 determines whether the release button 11 is half pressedor not, on the basis of the operation signal supplied from the operationunit 52.

When it is determined in Step S21 that the release button 11 is halfpressed, in Step S22, the area setting unit 73 sets a predetermined areaas the in-focus area and supplies the predetermined area to the displaycontrol unit 74 and the focusing control unit 48.

In Step S23, the display control unit 74 superimposes a predeterminedframe on a live-view image being displayed, on the basis of thepredetermined area supplied from the area setting unit 73, for displayon the display unit 50. The processing then proceeds to Step S24.

In Step S24, the image sensor 42 acquires phase difference information,and the focusing control unit 48 controls the actuator 49 to bring thein-focus area into focus on the basis of the in-focus area from the areasetting unit 73 and the phase difference information from the imagesensor 42, to drive the optical system 41.

In Step S25, the image sensor 42 acquires an electrical signal of eachpixel of the image by performing photoelectric conversion on light fromthe subject, the light being collected via the optical system 41, on apixel-by-pixel basis. The image sensor 42 supplies the electrical signalof each pixel of the image to the image processing unit 43, and thus theimage data is supplied to the compression processing unit 44 and themicrocomputer 47.

In Step S26, the microcomputer 47 displays an image based on the imagedata supplied from the image processing unit 43, as a live-view image,on the display unit 50. Further, the display control unit 74superimposes a frame representing the in-focus area on the live-viewimage, for display on the display unit 50.

In Step S27, the microcomputer 47 determines whether the release button11 is full pressed or not, on the basis of the operation signal from theoperation unit 52. In Step S27, when it is determined that the releasebutton 11 is full pressed, the processing proceeds to Step S28.

In Step S28, the compression processing unit 44 compresses the imagedata supplied from the image processing unit 43. The compressionprocessing unit 44 supplies the compressed image data to the mediumcontrol unit 45.

In Step S29, the medium control unit 45 controls the recording medium 46to record the compressed image data, which is supplied from thecompression processing unit 44, on the recording medium 46, and proceedsthe processing to Step S30.

Further, in Step S21, when it is determined that the release button 11is not half pressed, the processing proceeds to Step S30.

In Step S30, the imaging apparatus 10 determines whether to terminatethe processing or not, for example, whether the power button 11A isoperated or not.

In Step S27, when it is determined that the release button 11 is notfull pressed, or in Step S30, when it is determined that the processingis not terminated, and when the in-focus area is other than thepredetermined area, the area setting unit 73 sets the in-focus area forthe face area. This enables the optical system 41 to be driven so as tobring the face area into focus.

On the other hand, when the in-focus area is the predetermined area, thearea setting unit 73 leaves the in-focus area as the predetermined area.This enables the optical system 41 to be driven so as to bring thepredetermined area into focus. The processing is then returned to StepS11, and the subsequent processing is repeated. At that time, in thecase where the in-focus area is the predetermined area, a predeterminedframe is superimposed on a live-view image to be displayed, in theprocessing of Step S12.

On the other hand, when it is determined in Step S30 that the processingis terminated, the processing is terminated.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for describing the face detection ON imagingprocessing that is imaging processing of the imaging apparatus 10 in thecase where the face detection mode is the face detection ON mode. Thisface detection ON imaging processing is started when the power is turnedon by operating the power button 11A, for example.

Processing from Steps S41 to S43 of FIG. 12 is similar to the processingfrom Steps S11 to S13 of FIG. 11, and thus description thereof will beomitted.

In Step S44, the display control unit 74 superimposes a temporary faceframe of the face area supplied from the face detection unit 71 on alive-view image being displayed, for display on the display unit 50.

Processing from Steps S45 to S49 is similar to the processing from StepsS14 to S18 of FIG. 11, and thus description thereof will be omitted.

In Step S45, when it is determined that the center button 23E of thecross key 23 is not pressed, the processing proceeds to Step S50. InStep S50, the area setting unit 73 determines whether the release button11 is half pressed or not, on the basis of the operation signal suppliedfrom the operation unit 52.

In Step S50, when it is determined that the release button 11 is halfpressed, the processing proceeds to Step S51. Further, in Step S47, whenit is determined that a pupil area is not detected, the processingproceeds to Step S51.

Processing from Steps S51 to S59 is similar to the processing of StepsS19, S20, and S24 to S30 of FIG. 11, and thus description thereof willbe omitted. It should be noted that in the second and subsequentprocessing of Step S44, not a temporary face frame but a face frame isdisplayed.

It should be noted that the imaging processing of the imaging apparatus10 in the case where the face detection mode is the registered facedetection mode is similar to the face detection ON imaging processingexcept that matching between the acquired image data and the image dataof the registered face image is performed in the processing of Step S43,though not shown in the figure. In the case where an area of theregistered face image is detected by the matching, the area of theregistered face image is set as the face area, and in the case where thearea of the registered face image is not detected, an area of a faceimage other than the registered face image is set as the face area.

Further, the imaging processing of the imaging apparatus 10 in the casewhere the face detection mode is the smile shutter mode is similar tothe face detection ON imaging processing except that the processing ofSteps S45 to S49 is not performed.

As described above, since the center button 23E functions as a selectionunit that selects a pupil as a type of a subject serving as a focusingtarget in each imaging, the imaging apparatus 10 sets the in-focus areafor the face area or the predetermined area until the center button 23Eis pressed after imaging is performed.

Further, in the case where a pupil is selected as a type of a subjectserving as a focusing target in each imaging with use of the centerbutton 23E, the imaging apparatus 10 sets the pupil area as the in-focusarea. Therefore, a pupil as a type of a subject serving as a focusingtarget can be easily set in each imaging. Further, a pupil as a type ofa subject serving as a focusing target can be quickly set in eachimaging.

Second Embodiment Configuration Example of Second Embodiment of ImagingApparatus

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of anin-focus area control unit achieved by a microcomputer 47 of a secondembodiment of the imaging apparatus 10 to which the present disclosureis applied.

The second embodiment of the imaging apparatus 10 is configured to bebasically similar to the first embodiment except for the in-focus areacontrol unit. Note that a half-press of the release button 11 functionsas an instruction unit that gives an instruction of focusing. In otherwords, in the second embodiment of the imaging apparatus 10, only apress of the center button 23E of the cross key 23 does not performfocusing. After the center button 23E is pressed and when the releasebutton 11 is half pressed, focusing is performed.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 13, the same configurations as thoseof FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Overlappingdescription will be appropriately omitted.

The configuration of an in-focus area control unit 130 of FIG. 13 isdifferent from the configuration of FIG. 5 in that an area setting unit131 is provided instead of the area setting unit 73.

The area setting unit 131 of the in-focus area control unit 130 reads aface detection mode from the memory 51. In the case where an operationsignal representing a half-press of the release button 11 is suppliedfrom the operation unit 52, the area setting unit 131 sets a face area,a pupil area, or a predetermined area as an in-focus area in eachimaging on the basis of the face detection mode. The area setting unit131 supplies the in-focus area to the display control unit 74 and thefocusing control unit 48 of FIG. 4.

(Description on Processing of Imaging Apparatus)

Imaging processing corresponding to the face detection mode according tothe second embodiment of the imaging apparatus 10 is similar to that inthe first embodiment except that when the center button 23E is pressed,determination on whether the release button 11 is half pressed or not isperformed before an optical system is driven. When it is determined thatthe release button 11 is half pressed, the optical system is driven soas to bring the in-focus area into focus, whereas when it is determinedthat the release button 11 is not half pressed, the optical system isnot driven.

As described above, in the second embodiment of the imaging apparatus10, focusing can be achieved by a half-press of the release button 11not by an in-focus area. Therefore, an operation by a user who is usedto giving an instruction of focusing by half pressing the release button11 can be made simple.

In contrast to this, in the first embodiment of the imaging apparatus10, one operation of pressing the center button 23E enables selecting atype of a subject as a focusing target and giving an instruction offocusing. Therefore, an operation by a user can be made simple.

Third Embodiment Configuration Example of Third Embodiment of ImagingApparatus

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of anin-focus area control unit achieved by a microcomputer 47 of a thirdembodiment of the imaging apparatus 10 to which the present disclosureis applied.

The third embodiment of the imaging apparatus 10 is configured to bebasically similar to the first embodiment except for the in-focus areacontrol unit.

Note that the upper button 23A of the cross key 23 is pressed also whena flower is selected as a type of a subject as a focusing target in eachimaging in a state where a menu screen or setting screen is notdisplayed on the liquid crystal monitor 26. In other words, in the thirdembodiment of the imaging apparatus 10, in a state where a menu screenor setting screen is not displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 26, theupper button 23A functions as a selection unit that selects a flower asa type of a subject serving as a focusing target in each imaging.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 14, the same configurations as thoseof FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Overlappingdescription will be appropriately omitted.

The configuration of an in-focus area control unit 150 of FIG. 14 isdifferent from the configuration of FIG. 5 in that a flower detectionunit 151 is newly provided and that an area setting unit 152 and adisplay control unit 153 are provided instead of the area setting unit73 and the display control unit 74.

The flower detection unit 151 of the in-focus area control unit 150determines whether an operation signal representing a press of the upperbutton 23A of the cross key 23 is supplied from the operation unit 52 ornot, in a state where a menu screen or setting screen is not displayedon the liquid crystal monitor 26. The flower detection unit 151 detectsa flower area from the image data supplied from the image processingunit 43 on the basis of a determination result. The flower detectionunit 151 supplies the flower area to the area setting unit 152.

The area setting unit 152 reads the face detection mode from the memory51. The area setting unit 152 sets a face area, a pupil area, a flowerarea, or a predetermined area as an in-focus area in each imaging on thebasis of the face detection mode and the operation signal representing ahalf-press of the release button 11 and being supplied from theoperation unit 52. The area setting unit 152 supplies the in-focus areato the display control unit 153 and the focusing control unit 48 of FIG.4.

The display control unit 153 reads the face detection mode from thememory 51. The display control unit 153 superimposes a face frame, whichrepresents the face area supplied from the face detection unit 71, on alive-view image being displayed, on the basis of the face detectionmode, for display on the display unit 50. Further, the display controlunit 153 superimposes a frame, which represents the in-focus areasupplied from the area setting unit 152, on a live-view image beingdisplayed, for display on the display unit 50.

(Description on Processing of Imaging Apparatus)

FIG. 15 is a flowchart for describing face detection OFF imagingprocessing according to the third embodiment of the imaging apparatus10. This face detection OFF imaging processing is started when the poweris turned on by operating the power button 11A, for example.

Processing from Steps S71 to S80 of FIG. 15 is similar to the processingfrom Steps S11 to S20 of FIG. 11, and thus description thereof will beomitted.

In Step S74, when it is determined that the center button 23E is notpressed, the processing proceeds to Step S81. In Step S81, the flowerdetection unit 151 determines whether the upper button 23A of the crosskey 23 is pressed or not in a state where a menu screen or settingscreen is not displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 26, on the basisof the operation signal supplied from the operation unit 52.

In Step S81, when it is determined that the upper button 23A is pressed,the processing proceeds to Step S82. In Step S82, the flower detectionunit 151 detects a flower area from the image data supplied from theimage processing unit 43 and supplies the flower area to the areasetting unit 152.

In Step S83, the area setting unit 152 sets, as an in-focus area, theflower area supplied from the flower detection unit 151 and supplies theflower area to the display control unit 153 and the focusing controlunit 48 of FIG. 4.

In Step S84, the display control unit 153 superimposes a flower frame,which represents the flower area, on a live-view image being displayed,on the basis of the flower area supplied from the area setting unit 152,for display on the display unit 50. The processing then proceeds to StepS88.

Processing from Steps S85 to S94 is similar to the processing from StepsS21 to S30 of FIG. 11, and thus description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart for describing face detection ON imagingprocessing according to the third embodiment of the imaging apparatus10. This face detection ON imaging processing is started when the poweris turned on by operating the power button 11A, for example.

Processing from Steps S111 to S121 of FIG. 16 is similar to theprocessing from Steps S41 to S49, S51, and S52 of FIG. 12, and thusdescription thereof will be omitted.

Processing from Steps S122 to S126 is similar to the processing fromSteps S81 to S85 of FIG. 15, and thus description thereof will beomitted.

In Step S126, when it is determined that the release button 11 is halfpressed, the processing proceeds to Step S120. On the other hand, inStep S126, when it is determined that the release button 11 is not halfpressed, the processing proceeds to Step S133.

Processing from Steps S127 to S133 is similar to the processing fromSteps S24 to S30 of FIG. 11, and thus description thereof will beomitted.

As described above, since the upper button 23A functions as a selectionunit that selects a flower as a type of a subject serving as a focusingtarget in each imaging, the imaging apparatus 10 sets the in-focus areafor the face area or the predetermined area until the upper button 23Ais pressed after imaging is performed.

Further, in the third embodiment of the imaging apparatus 10, in thecase where a pupil is selected as a type of a subject serving as afocusing target in each imaging with use of the center button 23A, apupil area is set as the in-focus area. Additionally, in the thirdembodiment of the imaging apparatus 10, in the case where a flower isselected as a type of a subject serving as a focusing target in eachimaging with use of the upper button 23A, a flower area is set as thein-focus area. Therefore, a pupil or a flower as a type of a subjectserving as a focusing target can be easily set in each imaging. Further,a pupil or a flower as a type of a subject serving as a focusing targetcan be quickly set in each imaging.

It should be noted that also in the third embodiment of the imagingapparatus 10, as in the second embodiment, focusing may be achieved bynot only pressing the upper button 23A and the center button 23E butalso half pressing the release button 11.

Fourth Embodiment Description on Computer to which Present Disclosure isApplied

The series of processing described above can be executed by hardware orsoftware. In the case where the series of processing is executed bysoftware, a program constituting the software is installed in acomputer. Here, the computer includes a computer incorporated indedicated hardware, a general-purpose personal computer that can executevarious functions by installing various programs therein, and the like.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration example of acomputer that executes the series of processing described above by aprogram.

In a computer 200, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a ROM (Read OnlyMemory) 202, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203 are connected to oneanother by a bus 204.

Additionally, an input and output interface 205 is connected to the bus204. An imaging unit 206, an input unit 207, an output unit 208, astorage unit 209, a communication unit 210, and a drive 211 areconnected to the input and output interface 205.

The imaging unit 206 is constituted by the optical system 41, the imagesensor 42, the actuator 49, the image processing unit 43, and the like.The imaging unit 206 acquires image data by light from a subject.

The input unit 207 corresponds to the operation unit 52 and isconstituted by a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, and the like. Theoutput unit 208 is constituted by a display, a speaker, and the like.The storage unit 209 is constituted by a hard disk, a nonvolatilememory, and the like. The communication unit 210 is constituted by anetwork interface and the like. The drive 211 drives a removable medium212 such as a magnetic disc, an optical disc, a magneto-optical disc, asemiconductor memory, or the like.

In the computer 200 configured as described above, the series ofprocessing described above is performed by the CPU 201 loading a programstored in the storage unit 209 to the RAM 203 via the input and outputinterface 205 and the bus 204 and executing the program, for example.

The program executed by the computer 200 (CPU 201) can be provided by,for example, being recorded on the removable medium 212 as a packagemedium or the like. Further, the program can be provided via a wired orwireless transmission medium such as a local area network, the Internet,or digital satellite broadcasting.

In the computer 200, the program can be installed in the storage unit209 via the input and output interface 205 by mounting the removablemedium 212 to the drive 211. Further, the program can be received in thecommunication unit 210 via a wired or wireless transmission medium andinstalled in the storage unit 209. In addition, the program can bepreviously installed in the ROM 202 or the storage unit 209.

It should be noted that the program executed by the computer 200 may bea program that is processed chronologically along the described order inthis specification or may be a program that is processed in parallel orat a necessary timing such as when an invocation is performed.

The effects described herein are merely exemplary ones and are notrestrictive ones, and any other effects may be produced.

Further, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited tothe embodiments described above and can be variously modified withoutdeparting from the gist of the present disclosure.

For example, the type of the subject as a focusing target may be a typeother than a pupil or a flower (for example, landscape, building,animal, household pet, and cooking). Further, the number of types of thesubject as a focusing target can be set to three or more.

Additionally, the button functioning as the selection unit that selectsa type of a subject as a focusing target in each imaging may be a buttonother than the cross key 23 (for example, the custom button 13, thecustom button 18, the AEL button 21, and the like). Note that a buttonfunctioning as a selection unit in each type of a subject differs.Further, the selection unit may be displayed on the liquid crystalmonitor 26 and operated by the cross key 23. In the case where theliquid crystal monitor 26 is configured by a touch panel, a selectionunit on the liquid crystal monitor 26 is touched for operation.

Further, the type of the subject selected in each imaging may be not atype of a subject as a focusing target but a type of a subject as aphotometry or colorimetry target for selecting optimum exposure, whitebalance, and the like.

Additionally, in the case where a pupil area can be detected withoutdetecting a face area, it is possible to prevent a face area from beingdetected in the face detection OFF mode. Further, the imaging apparatus10 may acquire not the phase difference information but contrastinformation and achieve focusing on the basis of the contrastinformation.

It should be noted that the present disclosure can also have thefollowing configurations.

(1) An imaging apparatus, including:

an acquisition unit that acquires an image;

a first selection unit that selects a first type of a subject as afocusing target in each imaging of the image acquired by the acquisitionunit;

a first detection unit that detects an area of the subject of the firsttype from the image in a case where the first type is selected by thefirst selection unit; and

an area setting unit that sets the area detected by the first detectionunit as an in-focus area of the image.

(2) The imaging apparatus according to (1), further including a focusingcontrol unit that controls the acquisition unit to come into focus inthe in-focus area set by the area setting unit.

(3) The imaging apparatus according to (1), further including:

an instruction unit that gives an instruction of focusing; and

a focusing control unit that controls the acquisition unit to come intofocus in the in-focus area set by the area setting unit, in a case wherethe instruction of focusing is given by the instruction unit.

(4) The imaging apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3), furtherincluding:

a second selection unit that selects a second type of a subject as afocusing target in each imaging of the image acquired by the acquisitionunit; and

a second detection unit that detects an area of the subject of thesecond type from the image in a case where the second type is selectedby the second selection unit, in which

the area setting unit sets the area detected by the second detectionunit as an in-focus area of the image.

(5) An imaging method for an imaging apparatus, including:

an acquisition step of acquiring an image;

a first selection step of selecting a first type of a subject as afocusing target in each imaging of the image acquired by processing ofthe acquisition step;

a first detection step of detecting an area of the subject of the firsttype from the image in a case where the first type is selected byprocessing of the first selection step; and

an area setting step of setting the area detected by processing of thefirst detection step as an in-focus area of the image.

(6) A program causing a computer, which controls an imaging apparatusincluding an acquisition unit that acquires an image and a firstselection unit that selects a first type of a subject as a focusingtarget in each imaging of the image acquired by the acquisition unit, tofunction as:

a first detection unit that detects an area of the subject of the firsttype from the image in a case where the first type is selected by thefirst selection unit; and

an area setting unit that sets the area detected by the first detectionunit as an in-focus area of the image.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS

-   10 imaging apparatus-   11 release button-   23A to 23E button-   42 image sensor-   48 focusing control unit-   72 pupil detection unit-   73 area setting unit-   151 flower detection unit-   152 area setting unit

1. An imaging apparatus, comprising: an acquisition unit that acquiresan image; a first selection unit that selects a first type of a subjectas a focusing target in each imaging of the image acquired by theacquisition unit; a first detection unit that detects an area of thesubject of the first type from the image in a case where the first typeis selected by the first selection unit; and an area setting unit thatsets the area detected by the first detection unit as an in-focus areaof the image.
 2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, furthercomprising a focusing control unit that controls the acquisition unit tocome into focus in the in-focus area set by the area setting unit. 3.The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: aninstruction unit that gives an instruction of focusing; and a focusingcontrol unit that controls the acquisition unit to come into focus inthe in-focus area set by the area setting unit, in a case where theinstruction of focusing is given by the instruction unit.
 4. The imagingapparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a second selectionunit that selects a second type of a subject as a focusing target ineach imaging of the image acquired by the acquisition unit; and a seconddetection unit that detects an area of the subject of the second typefrom the image in a case where the second type is selected by the secondselection unit, wherein the area setting unit sets the area detected bythe second detection unit as an in-focus area of the image.
 5. Animaging method for an imaging apparatus, comprising: an acquisition stepof acquiring an image; a first selection step of selecting a first typeof a subject as a focusing target in each imaging of the image acquiredby processing of the acquisition step; a first detection step ofdetecting an area of the subject of the first type from the image in acase where the first type is selected by processing of the firstselection step; and an area setting step of setting the area detected byprocessing of the first detection step as an in-focus area of the image.6. A program causing a computer, which controls an imaging apparatusincluding an acquisition unit that acquires an image and a firstselection unit that selects a first type of a subject as a focusingtarget in each imaging of the image acquired by the acquisition unit, tofunction as: a first detection unit that detects an area of the subjectof the first type from the image in a case where the first type isselected by the first selection unit; and an area setting unit that setsthe area detected by the first detection unit as an in-focus area of theimage.